[highlights and links to related articles added]

So if consumer advocates are wary as the next chapter in the Texas Residential Construction Commission saga unfolds today before a House committee, who can blame them?

A lot of Bob Perry’s money will again be represented around the table.

The Houston home builder and prolific political donor was instrumental in the Legislature’s creation of the TRCC six years ago, supposedly to strengthen professional standards for builders in exchange for giving builders more protections from customer lawsuits.

After numerous consumer complaints that the TRCC is little more than an industry lapdog, the agency now is under sunset review, fighting for its continued existence.

Legislation up for a hearing before the House Business and Industry Committee would keep the agency open for another four years but would make it more responsive to consumer complaints, sponsors say.

But if Perry’s money is a factor, consider this:

Ten of the 11 members on the panel have received a collective $324,500 from Perry during their legislative careers. Leading the pack are Reps. Sylvester Turner, D-Houston, $115,000; Sid Miller , R-Stephenville, $91,500; Kirk England, D-Grand Prairie, $47,500; and Wayne Christian , R-Center, $31,500.

You may recall that the staff of the Sunset Advisory Commission recommended last year that the Legislature abolish the TRCC.

But the commission, most of whose members are legislators, voted to keep the TRCC in business while making it more consumer friendly.

The 10 lawmakers on the Sunset Commission (a separate group from today’s committee) had received $486,000 in political donations from Perry.

“We’re supportive of the intent of the TRCC, which is to improve regulation of home builders and protect consumers,” Perry spokesman Anthony Holm said.

HOT: Several readers asked for a list of the politicians who benefited financially, so here are some articles about the revolving door between public officials and lobbyists and about campaign contributions going to our Governor, all 9 members of the Texas Supreme Court, members of the TRCC, and members of the Texas House and Senate.

01/24/09: Lobbyists run $12.8 million tab for lawmakers
01/18/09: Revolving door at Texas environmental agency?
11/10/08: Campaign Money: Big donors fuel Texas House races
09/25/08: Sun Never Sets On Politicians Taking Homebuilder Money
08/24/08: A builder, a commission and a lot of cash 
07/20/08: Bob Perry: building homes and candidacies 
05/02/08: Texas Supreme Court rules against Mansfield couple in battle with homebuilder

By CLAY ROBISON, Houston Chronicle (clay.robison@chron.com)
03/22/2009

Source: http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/editorial/robison/6331382.html

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